What is John Hagelin's primary professional background and his role within the Transcendental Meditation movement?

John Hagelin is a physicist and is recognized as the leader of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement in the United States. He also holds the position of president at Maharishi International University (MIU), formerly known as Maharishi University of Management (MUM).

Where and when was John Hagelin born, and who were his parents?

John Samuel Hagelin was born on June 9, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents were Mary Lee Hagelin (née Stephenson), a schoolteacher, and Carl William Hagelin, a businessman.

What was John Hagelin's educational path, including his degrees and institutions attended?

Hagelin earned his A.B. in physics with highest honors from Dartmouth College in 1975. He then pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, where he obtained a master's degree in physics in 1976 and a Ph.D. in physics in 1981.

What post-doctoral research did John Hagelin undertake after completing his Ph.D.?

After receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1981, Hagelin conducted post-doctoral research for several months at CERN (European Center for Particle Physics) in Switzerland and subsequently at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) in California.

How did John Hagelin become involved with Transcendental Meditation (TM)?

While recovering in the school infirmary after a motorcycle crash during his time at the Taft School in July 1970, Hagelin was introduced to TM by a practitioner named Rick Archer, who had been invited to speak at the school.

What is John Hagelin's connection to Maharishi International University (MIU)?

John Hagelin became a professor of physics at Maharishi International University (MIU) in 1984 and later assumed the role of the university's president. He also serves as an honorary chair of its board of trustees.

What theoretical physics work is John Hagelin known for?

Hagelin is known for his work on supersymmetric extensions of the standard model and grand unification theories, including research on the flipped SU(5) heterotic superstring theory. He published over 70 papers between 1979 and 1996 on topics such as particle physics, electroweak unification, grand unification, supersymmetry, and cosmology.

What is the 'Maharishi effect,' and what project did Hagelin direct to demonstrate it?

The 'Maharishi effect' is a concept within the TM movement suggesting that a large group meditating together can influence the behavior of others and promote peace. In the summer of 1993, Hagelin directed a project in Washington, D.C., where approximately 4,000 people practiced TM and 'yogic flying' for six hours daily, which Hagelin claimed led to a local reduction in crime.

What was the reception of Hagelin's Maharishi Effect project by the scientific community?

The project faced criticism, with Robert L. Park, a research professor, describing the study's analysis as a "clinic in data distortion." Additionally, Hagelin was awarded the satirical Ig Nobel Prize for Peace in 1994 for his experimental conclusion linking the meditators to a decrease in violent crime.

In which U.S. presidential elections did John Hagelin participate as a candidate?

John Hagelin ran as the presidential candidate for the Natural Law Party in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 United States presidential elections.

What was the core philosophy behind the Natural Law Party founded by Hagelin?

The Natural Law Party, founded in 1992, was based on the principle that governmental problems could be solved more effectively by adhering to 'natural law,' which they viewed as the organizing principle of the universe. Its platform included preventive healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.

What were some of John Hagelin's policy positions when he ran for president?

Hagelin advocated for policies such as preventive healthcare, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy technologies, abortion rights without public funding, campaign finance reform, stricter gun control, and a flat tax system that would exempt families earning below $34,000 annually. He also proposed reducing societal tension as a means to prevent war.

How did John Hagelin's 2000 presidential campaign unfold, particularly regarding party nominations?

In 2000, Hagelin was nominated by the Natural Law Party and also by a faction of the Reform Party that disputed Pat Buchanan's nomination. However, the Federal Election Commission ruled that Buchanan was the official Reform Party candidate, and the convention that nominated Hagelin was deemed invalid.

What is the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy (ISTPP), and what is Hagelin's role in it?

The Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy (ISTPP) is a think tank affiliated with MIU, and John Hagelin serves as its director. The ISTPP focuses on discussing issues like terrorism with government officials and has provided testimony on technologies such as germ-line genetic engineering.

What other organizations is John Hagelin associated with?

Hagelin is the president of the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes TM, and also leads the Global Union of Scientists for Peace, an organization opposing nuclear proliferation and war. He has also been associated with the US Peace Government and the Global Country of World Peace.

What specific titles or roles has Maharishi Mahesh Yogi bestowed upon John Hagelin?

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi appointed John Hagelin as the 'Raja of Invincible America' in November 2007 and also designated him as the minister of science and technology for the Global Country of World Peace.

What claims did Hagelin make regarding the Invincible America Assembly and its effects?

Hagelin predicted that the Invincible America Assembly, comprising individuals practicing TM and TM-Sidhi techniques, would bring about peace and prosperity and reduce conflict in America as the number of participants grew. He also attributed a rise in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to the assembly's efforts.

What criticism has John Hagelin faced from former academic colleagues?

Hagelin's former academic peers reportedly ostracized him for integrating TM principles with physics, with some fearing it could negatively impact their own work. Critics have described his research linking consciousness to the unified field as 'wishful thinking' and rejected it as 'nonsense'.

How has Hagelin's attempt to link theoretical physics with TM been received by the broader scientific community?

Hagelin's efforts to equate a unified field of consciousness with unified field theories in physics, such as superstring theory, have been widely rejected by the theoretical physics community, with some characterizing it as "nonsense" and the work of a "crackpot."

What was the nature of the criticism leveled by Peter Woit regarding Hagelin's work?

Physicist Peter Woit, in his book 'Not Even Wrong,' described Hagelin's attempt to link a unified field of consciousness with superstring theory as wishful thinking and stated that virtually every theoretical physicist rejects such claims as nonsensical.

What specific award did John Hagelin receive in 1992, and for what?

In 1992, Hagelin received a Kilby International Award from the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to particle physics, specifically in the development of supersymmetric grand unified field theory.

What is the significance of the Ig Nobel Prize awarded to John Hagelin?

John Hagelin received the Ig Nobel Prize for Peace in 1994 for his experiment suggesting that a group of 4,000 trained meditators caused an 18 percent decrease in violent crime in Washington, D.C. This award is given for "silly" or satirical scientific achievements.

What role did John Hagelin play in Hillary Clinton's 1993 healthcare plan?

Hagelin helped draft a paragraph for Hillary Rodham Clinton's comprehensive healthcare plan in 1993. According to Hagelin, his contribution was the only section that specifically addressed preventive healthcare.

What was Hagelin's stance on germ-line technologies presented to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)?

Through the ISTPP, Hagelin testified to the NIH's DNA Advisory Committee, expressing concern that recombinant DNA technology is inherently risky due to the potential for unexpected side effects, particularly concerning germ-line applications.

What is the "yogic flying" technique mentioned in relation to Hagelin's work?

Yogic flying is a technique taught through the TM-Sidhi program where practitioners, while seated in the lotus position, reportedly engage in a series of hops. Hagelin directed a project involving this technique in 1993 and later proposed its use to end the Kosovo War.

What business did John Hagelin found in 1990?

In 1990, John Hagelin co-founded Enlightened Audio Designs Corporation (EAD) with Alastair Roxburgh. The company specialized in designing and manufacturing high-end digital-to-analog converters before being sold in 2001.

What was the outcome of Hagelin's 1992 presidential campaign in terms of votes?

In the 1992 U.S. presidential election, John Hagelin received 39,212 votes across 32 states. He also secured 23 percent of the vote in Jefferson County, Iowa, where MIU is located.

What was the outcome of Hagelin's 1996 presidential campaign in terms of votes?

In the 1996 U.S. presidential election, John Hagelin garnered 113,659 votes from 43 states. He also achieved 21 percent of the vote in Jefferson County, Iowa.

What was the outcome of Hagelin's 2000 presidential campaign in terms of votes?

In the 2000 U.S. presidential election, John Hagelin received 83,714 votes from 39 states, running under both the Natural Law Party and, in some states, the Reform Party.

What is the stated goal of the US Peace Government (USPG) and the Global Country of World Peace, and Hagelin's role in them?

The US Peace Government (USPG) and the Global Country of World Peace were established to promote sustainable governance policies aligned with 'natural law.' Hagelin served as the minister of science and technology for the Global Country of World Peace and was appointed 'Raja of Invincible America'.

What specific prediction did Hagelin make about the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2007?

In July 2007, Hagelin predicted that the Dow Jones Industrial Average would surpass 17,000 within a year, stating that the Invincible America Assembly's efforts were contributing to its rise.

What criticism did philosopher Evan Fales and sociologist Barry Markovsky direct at Hagelin's theories?

Fales and Markovsky remarked that Hagelin's explanations lacked purpose because the phenomena he described had not been validated. They argued that the parallels he drew were based on ambiguity, obscurity, vague analogies, and the construction of arbitrary similarities.

In which films was John Hagelin featured, and what was the general reception of these films?

John Hagelin was featured in the films 'What the Bleep Do We Know!?' (2004) and 'The Secret' (2006). 'What the Bleep Do We Know!?' was described by theoretical physicist João Magueijo as "horrendously tedious" and involved "deliberate misrepresentation of science."

What is the nature of the criticism regarding Hagelin's attempt to link consciousness to the unified field?

Critics, including physicist Peter Woit, have described Hagelin's attempt to equate a unified field of consciousness with the unified field in superstring theory as wishful thinking. They argue that this connection is not supported by evidence and is rejected by the majority of theoretical physicists.

What was the outcome of the Natural Law Party's national organization in 2004?

In April 2004, the Executive Committee of the Natural Law Party dissolved the party as a national organization.

Who is John Hagelin's current spouse, and when did they marry?

John Hagelin married Kara Anastasio, who was formerly the vice-chair of the Natural Law Party of Ohio, in 2010.

What specific scientific journals featured Hagelin's published works on particle physics and related fields?

Hagelin's research papers on particle physics, electroweak unification, grand unification, supersymmetry, and cosmology were published in academic scientific journals such as Physics Letters B, Nuclear Physics B, and Physical Review D.

What was the subject of Hagelin's 1998 book?

John Hagelin authored 'Manual for a Perfect Government' in 1998, which outlines how to apply 'natural law' principles to governance and administration for maximum success.

What specific scientific achievement was cited for Hagelin's Kilby International Award?

The Kilby International Award was given to Hagelin for his work in particle physics, specifically for his contributions to the development of supersymmetric grand unified field theory.

What was the context of Hagelin's claim about ending the Kosovo War with yogic flying?

In 1999, Hagelin held a press conference suggesting that the TM movement could end the Kosovo War through yogic flying. He proposed that NATO establish a corps of 7,000 yogic flyers at a cost of $33 million.

What is the significance of the 'flipped SU(5)' heterotic superstring theory in relation to Hagelin's work?

Hagelin's work on the 'flipped SU(5)' heterotic superstring theory was highlighted in a 1991 Discover magazine cover story and is considered one of the more successful 'theories of everything' within theoretical physics.

What specific paper co-authored by Hagelin in 1984 was highly cited?

A 1984 paper co-authored by Hagelin and John Ellis, titled 'Supersymmetric relics from the big bang,' published in Nuclear Physics B, had been cited over 500 times by 2007.

What was the nature of the criticism from Dennis Roark, former chairman of MIU's physics department?

Dennis Roark derided Hagelin's research as 'crackpot science,' indicating a strong disagreement with the scientific validity of Hagelin's work, particularly concerning the integration of TM principles.

What did Hagelin claim about the potential impact of the Invincible America Assembly reaching 3,500 participants?

Hagelin predicted that as the number of Yogic flyers in the Invincible America Assembly increased towards 3,500, 'peace and prosperity will reign in America, and violence and conflict will subside completely'.

What is the purpose of the David Lynch Foundation, which Hagelin leads?

The David Lynch Foundation, headed by John Hagelin, is an organization dedicated to promoting Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its benefits.

What was the outcome of the Federal Election Commission's ruling regarding the Reform Party's nomination in the 2000 election?

The Federal Election Commission ruled that Pat Buchanan was the official candidate of the Reform Party in the 2000 election, thereby determining his eligibility for federal election funds, which impacted Hagelin's standing as a nominee for that party.

What specific area did Hagelin's contribution to Hillary Clinton's healthcare plan address?

John Hagelin's contribution to Hillary Clinton's healthcare plan focused specifically on preventive healthcare, which he stated was the only paragraph in the extensive plan dedicated to that subject.

What did Hagelin's 1989 paper titled "Restructuring Physics from its Foundation in Light of Maharishi's Vedic Science" propose?

In his 1989 paper, Hagelin proposed restructuring physics based on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Vedic Science, suggesting a new foundation for understanding the physical world through these principles.

What was the subject of Hagelin's 1981 paper in Nuclear Physics B, and what was its impact?

Hagelin's 1981 paper in Nuclear Physics B, titled 'Mass mixing and CP violation in the B0-B0 system,' explored theoretical concepts in particle physics related to the behavior of subatomic particles and their properties.

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Early Life and Education

Origins and Foundation

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 9, 1954, John Samuel Hagelin was raised in Connecticut. His early academic journey included attending the Taft School, where a significant motorcycle accident during his freshman year led to a period of convalescence. During this time, he delved into quantum mechanics and was introduced to Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Academic Excellence

Hagelin pursued higher education with distinction, earning an A.B. in physics summa cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1975. He continued his studies at Harvard University, obtaining a master's degree in physics in 1976 and completing his Ph.D. in physics in 1981. His doctoral work was supervised by Howard Georgi.

Global Perspective

His academic path included postdoctoral research at CERN in Switzerland and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) in California. This foundational work in theoretical physics set the stage for his later explorations into the relationship between fundamental physics and consciousness.

Academic and Professional Career

Professorship and Leadership

In 1984, Hagelin joined Maharishi International University (MIU), formerly Maharishi University of Management, as a professor of physics. He later assumed the presidency of the university in 2016, continuing the institution's mission to integrate consciousness-based education with academic rigor.

Theoretical Contributions

Hagelin's research has focused on areas such as supersymmetric extensions of the standard model and grand unification theories. His work on "flipped SU(5)" heterotic superstring theory was highlighted in Discover magazine, positioning it as a significant development in the search for a unified field theory.

Recognition and Awards

In recognition of his contributions to particle physics, Hagelin received the Kilby International Award in 1992. His academic publications span particle physics, cosmology, and the theoretical underpinnings of consciousness, with several papers being highly cited within the scientific community.

Physics and the Unified Field

Unifying Theories

Hagelin's scientific work centers on theoretical physics, particularly exploring unified field theories and supersymmetry. He has published extensively on topics including electroweak unification, grand unification, and cosmology, seeking to reconcile fundamental forces and particles within a single theoretical framework.

Consciousness as a Field

A central tenet of Hagelin's work is the postulate that his extended version of unified field theory corresponds to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's concept of a "unified field of consciousness." This perspective, while influential within the TM movement, has faced skepticism from the broader scientific community.

Impactful Research

His collaborations have resulted in highly cited papers, including work on radiative corrections in supergravity and the cosmological implications of supersymmetry. These contributions underscore his engagement with complex theoretical challenges in modern physics.

Political Engagements

Presidential Campaigns

Hagelin has been a candidate for President of the United States three times (1992, 1996, 2000) under the banner of the Natural Law Party. His campaigns advocated for policies grounded in "natural law," emphasizing preventive healthcare, sustainable energy, and societal well-being.

Platform and Vision

His political platform included proposals for campaign finance reform, gun control, and a flat tax system. He also promoted the idea of reducing societal tension through TM techniques as a means to prevent conflict, notably suggesting its application during the Kosovo War.

Electoral Context

Hagelin's presidential runs garnered modest vote totals, often facing challenges within the broader political landscape, including disputes over ballot access and party nominations, particularly during the 2000 election cycle.

Leadership Roles

Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy

Hagelin directs the Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy (ISTPP) at MIU. This think tank focuses on applying principles of natural law and consciousness research to policy challenges, including national security and preventive healthcare.

Promoting Peace

He is the president of the David Lynch Foundation, dedicated to promoting TM for stress reduction and improved well-being. Hagelin also leads the Global Union of Scientists for Peace, an organization focused on preventing nuclear proliferation and war.

Spiritual and Governmental Roles

Appointed "Raja of Invincible America" by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Hagelin has been involved with the Global Country of World Peace and its affiliate, the US Peace Government, aiming to implement governance based on natural law principles.

Criticism and Scientific Scrutiny

Scientific Skepticism

Hagelin's efforts to link his physics theories with TM principles have drawn criticism from some former colleagues and scientists. His research on the "Maharishi effect," suggesting that group meditation can reduce crime or influence global events, has been characterized by critics as lacking empirical validation and relying on flawed methodologies.

Satirical Recognition

In acknowledgment of the controversial nature of some of his work, Hagelin was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for Peace in 1994 for his claims regarding the impact of meditators on crime reduction in Washington, D.C. This award highlights the skepticism his research has encountered within the broader scientific community.

Methodological Concerns

Critics, including physicists like Peter Woit and Robert L. Park, have questioned the scientific rigor and validity of Hagelin's interpretations, describing some of his claims as "crackpot science" or based on "correlation without causation." Concerns have also been raised about the potential for scientific work to be influenced by the philosophical underpinnings of the TM movement.

Selected Works

Scholarly Publications

Hagelin has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers in fields such as particle physics, supersymmetry, and cosmology. His work often explores the intersection of theoretical physics and consciousness.

"Is Consciousness the Unified Field? A Field Theorist's Perspective" (1987)
"Restructuring Physics from its Foundation in Light of Maharishi's Vedic Science" (1989)
"Sparticle masses as a probe of GUT physics" (1990)
"Supersymmetry mechanism for naturally small density perturbations and baryogenesis" (1993)
"Sparticle spectroscopy" (1992)
"Effects of Group Practice of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Preventing Violent Crime in Washington, D.C." (1999)
Manual for a Perfect Government (1998)

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References

Profile: John Hagelin, George Washington University 2000.

Stenger, Victor J. (2009). Quantum Gods: Creation, Chaos, and the Search for Cosmic Consciousness, Amherst: Prometheus Books, pp. 60â61.

Nemeth, Stephen (2014). "Natural Law Party", in Larry J. Sabato, Howard R. Ernst (eds.), Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and Elections, Infobase Publishing, p. 241.

A full list of references for this article are available at the John Hagelin Wikipedia page

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John Hagelin: A Synthesis of Science and Consciousness

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Education 🎓

👶 Origins and Foundation

🏛️ Academic Excellence

🌍 Global Perspective

Academic and Professional Career 💼

👨‍🏫 Professorship and Leadership

💡 Theoretical Contributions

🏆 Recognition and Awards

Physics and the Unified Field 🌌

⚛️ Unifying Theories

🧠 Consciousness as a Field

📈 Impactful Research

Political Engagements 🏛️

🇺🇸 Presidential Campaigns

📜 Platform and Vision

⚖️ Electoral Context

Leadership Roles 🌐

🏛️ Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy

🕊️ Promoting Peace

👑 Spiritual and Governmental Roles

Criticism and Scientific Scrutiny 🤔

🔬 Scientific Skepticism

😂 Satirical Recognition

❓ Methodological Concerns

Selected Works 📚

📖 Scholarly Publications

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Education

Origins and Foundation

Academic Excellence

Global Perspective

Academic and Professional Career

Professorship and Leadership

Theoretical Contributions

Recognition and Awards

Physics and the Unified Field

Unifying Theories

Consciousness as a Field

Impactful Research

Political Engagements

Presidential Campaigns

Platform and Vision

Electoral Context

Leadership Roles

Institute of Science, Technology and Public Policy

Promoting Peace

Spiritual and Governmental Roles

Criticism and Scientific Scrutiny

Scientific Skepticism

Satirical Recognition

Methodological Concerns

Selected Works

Scholarly Publications

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice